Hiring a roofer: what to ask before work starts

Roof work is expensive and hard for a homeowner to inspect, so it pays to ask the right questions up front.

Repair or replace?

Ask the roofer to explain what's wrong and show you photos of the problem. A slipped tile or a failed flashing is a repair. Widespread damage, sagging or a roof at the end of its life may need replacing. If two roofers disagree, a third opinion is worth having.

Building Regulations for bigger jobs

Replacing a large part of a roof can count as work on a "thermal element" under the Building Regulations, which may mean adding insulation and notifying building control. The exact threshold varies by council, so check with your local building control team before a large re-roof. Roofers who are members of the NFRC's Competent Roofer scheme can self-certify their own work.

Conservation areas and listed buildings

In a conservation area, or on a listed building, changing the roof covering or materials may need permission. Check with your council before agreeing to new materials.

What a good quote covers

• Exactly what's being replaced or repaired, and with what materials
• Scaffolding, and who arranges it
• Removing old materials and leaving the site tidy
• Any insulation or ventilation work needed
• The guarantee, and whether it's insurance-backed

Questions worth asking

Ask	Why it matters
Are you insured to work at height?	Scaffolding and roof work carry real risk
Can you show me photos before and after?	Proof of what was wrong and what was done
Will you need building control sign-off?	Avoids problems when you sell the house
What's guaranteed, and for how long?	Workmanship and materials are often covered separately

Red flags

• Knocking on the door to say they've "spotted a problem" with your roof
• Pressure to agree today, or a big discount for deciding now
• Asking for most of the money before materials arrive